('76-'79)  125 WPC @ 8 / 160 WPC @ 4  $2200  (pristine) 

This beautiful, classic Sansui  9090DB receiver was obtained from a true audiophile who tended to its care with the utmost respect of its use over the years. 
Even though that's much appreciated, we still disassembled this beast for a lengthy and careful visit to the bench (see photos above).  The unit received the usual cleaning (deoxit) of all pots, adjusting the bias, aligning the tuner and checking all lamps / inputs / outputs. 

Cosmetically (although there are no signs of damage anywhere) it's best to be a bit conservative and call it's physical condition 9 out of 10. 
Absolutely everything functions perfectly.  It is 100% original and it has not been recapped.

The Sansui 9090DB had a phenomenal run during the mid-to-late 70's and is still considered one of the finest examples of Japanese audio technology during the Golden Age of HiFi.  At the time, it was Sansui's top of the line and had the distinctive "black out" dial with pretty blue glow across the front. 

Conservatively rated at 125 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms and a whopping 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms, it has a frequency response of 20 to 20,000 Hz.

It features direct readout power meters, an AM/FM analog tuner, bass, midrange and treble controls with a defeat switch if desired, two tape loops, outputs for three pairs of speakers and two moving magnet phono stages. At the time, it featured the highly desirable Dolby noise reduction circuit, but, of course today since it's no longer directly usable, it's recommended to just let that control lie dormant.

Fortunately, the 9090DB has pre-out / amp jumpers on the back allowing it to be used as a standalone amp or preamp.

NOTE: the Dolby noise reduction circuit for decoding “Dolbyized” FM broadcasts and making tapes encoded with Dolby NR was a bit of a rage at the time but this function is essentially obsolete except for those really "old school" folks out there.

The silver face design, combined with the real walnut timberwood case is simply stunning.  This gorgeous Sansui 9090DB presents itself as a highly desirable piece of vintage audio history.

We borrowed part of Stereophile's excellent back story about the 9090DB, read on:

"Tokyo-based Sansui built a name for itself as a leading supplier of solid-state receivers at a time when Japanese brands — Pioneer, Kenwood, Onkyo, and Technics among them — were the go-to names. Vying for attention and street cred among the hi-fi cognoscenti, Sansui introduced the 9090DB in the Bicentennial year 1976, hailing it as “one of the most technologically advanced receivers on the market” in the sales brochure. A bold proclamation, indeed, but this receiver had to be special as it would go up against models like Pioneer’s top-of-the-line SX-1250.

With a list price of $900 (the same as the SX-1250), the flagship 9090DB was far from cheap — the average annual income in 1976 was around $16,000 and you could buy a new car for three or four grand — but it was (and is) a formidable piece of audio gear in stature and performance. Key features include three tone controls (midrange, bass, and treble) with selectable roll-off frequencies, five inputs, two pre-outs, two tape loops, a moving-magnet phono stage, switched and un-switched AC outlets, and three pairs of speaker outputs that can be selected individually or in A+B or A+C pairs.

All of this ’70s tech is housed in a attractive wood cabinet (top and sides) 21 inches across, 16 inches deep, and 7 inches tall with a classic front panel encompassing an expansive radio tuning display (typical of the era) with separate tuning and signal-strength meters, left- and right-channel power meters, two headphone jacks, a microphone input, and 23 silver knobs, buttons, and switches, including controls for recording with mic-mixing. Unlike the cheesy thin-metal-over-plastic knobs found on many receivers, especially those from the 1980s, the Sansui knobs have a high metal content, which makes them nice and solid to touch and turn.

The 9090DB weighs in at 52 pounds with its power section accounting for most of its heft and occupying much of its 330-square-inch footprint. The amplifier boasts a full complementary output topology with eight output transistors and a RMS power rating of 125 watts/channel into 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz with no more than 0.1% total harmonic distortion (THD); overall frequency response is spec’d at 10Hz to 30kHz ±1dB."

Basic specs:
Power output: 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms
                        160 watts per channel into 4 ohms 
Frequency response: 10Hz to 30kHz
THD: 0.1%
Dimensions: 21.3"W x 7.2"H x 15.7"D
Weight: 53 lbs

About Sansui...
Sansui Electric Co., Ltd. was founded in 1947 as a manufacturer of transformers, but already in the 1960s it gained a reputation as a serious producer of audio components. Despite its huge popularity (especially in the United States) in the 60s and 70s, after 1985 the company began to bring much less profits than its rivals (Sony, Pioneer or Technics). It was the end of the heyday of hi-end equipment, which was related to an increase in sales of personal computers. At that time, Sansui Electric Co., Ltd. focused on the production of high-end components in Japan, and also started to produce high quality TV sets and other video equipment, while stopping exports. At the end of the 90s, the brand name was used on video devices manufactured by other companies.

Eventually, Sansui Electric Co., Ltd. as part of Grande Holdings went bankrupt in 2014. It is worth noting that Sansui was the first company to use transformers in audio equipment, and first to introduce to the market a high-voltage tube-transistor (hybrid) amplifier and a QS / RM system (Quadrasonic System / Regular Matrix), which allowed to obtain four-channel sound from two-channel one.

Sansui products were world-famous for their excellent sound engineering, great design and the highest performance already in the 60s. It was possible thanks to the fact that each model was created from start to finish by Sansui experts. In order to ensure stable and top quality only the best parts were used in the production and each device was repeatedly tested with precise measuring instruments before being delivered to the customer. Thanks to such an approach, Sansui Solid State receivers were characterized by low distortion, higher damping factors, greater dynamics, and most of all much better sensitivity and selectivity.

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stereo power amp   ('97-'07)  200 WPC @ 4 ohms  $600

In excellent cosmetic and operating condition, this Adcom 5400 stereo power amp is conservatively rated at 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms and a whopping 200 watts per channel into 4 ohms.  Proving just how popular this powerful and reliable amp has been, it had an incredible production run of ten years.

Basically, any speakers having a nominal impedance down to 4 ohms can be connected to, and easily be driven by the GFA-5400. It can drive these low impedances at more than adequate power levels with no difficulty.
The GFA-5400 is "polarity correct" and does not invert phase. That is, any positive going signal at its input will appear as a positive going signal at its output. The GFA-5400's connection to speakers are made through two high quality, five-way, gold plated binding posts located on the rear panel. These terminals will accommodate either bare wire, tinned wire, terminal pins, spade lugs or banana plugs, both single and dual. 

Features:
~Precision matched MOSFETs used throughout the signal path.
~Over 50,000 µF of power supply filter capacitance with low ESR for greater reserve capacity.
~Low number of gain stages improves signal reproduction accuracy.
~The custom toroidal power transformer provides better regulation and greater peak current capability.
~High quality, gold plated binding posts.
~Independent thermal overload and distortion LED's for each channel.
~Gold plated RCA jacks.
~Large internal heatsinks for greater cooling capability of output devices.
~Heavy gauge, anodized aluminum front panel.
~Powder coated, baked chassis and top cover for greater durability.
~Cooling vents on top cover for greater efficiency and cooler operation while driving low impedance loads.

Basic specs:
Power output: 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms
Frequency response: 10Hz to 20kHz
THD: 0.18%
Dimensions: 5.5"H x 17"W x 14.8"D
Weight: 26 lbs

preamp ('89-'98)  $500

In perfect operating and cosmetic condition, this Adcom GFP-565 preamp is one of their more highly rated units. 

No doubt, the world is filled with excellent, high quality stereo amps but, essentially, they are useless without an equally excellent pre-amp.  An amp is merely a chunk of power waiting for the preamp to spread that power in a direct and satisfying manner.
In this aspect, the GFP-565 is a sensible and smart companion to almost any high quality amp.  Included is the original factory owner's manual.

The GFP-565 has three sets of outputs: Main (Normal and Lab) and Bypass. Although the tone controls can be switched out of circuit when the preamp is used from its Main outputs, the Bypass outputs omit all the tone control and feature switching and are recommended for the best sound quality.

The GFP-565 can either offer a Class B or a Class C sound, depending on whether its owner wants to use it as a basic, no-frills preamplifier via its Bypass outputs, or as a full-featured control center via its Main outputs.

Basic specs:
Frequency response: 5Hz to 90kHz
THD: 0.0025%
Dimensions: 17"W x 12.5"D x 3.3"H
Weight: 11 lbs

power amp (2011)  200 WPC  $700

In perfect operating and cosmetic condition, this Adcom GFA-555ms pumps out 200 watts into 4 ohms.
It takes both unbalanced and balanced inputs and drives your speakers with 125 watts per channel (into 8 ohms) of high performance, ultra low distortion power output all from a neat package. 
Technically speaking, Adcom engineered an uncompromised circuit design that delivers ultra-low distortion and a crisp dynamic sound.   Great care was taken to ensure that distortion in the 555MS would remain extremely low, particularly when driving these highly reactive loads in which the phase angles of the voltage and the current are substantially different.

Basic specs:
125 watts into 8 ohms
200 watts into 4 ohms
Frequency Resp:  @ 1watt, 8-ohms: +0. -0.25dB, 10Hz to 20kHz
Power Bandwidth (-3dB): 10Hz to 100k
Dimensions: 6”H x 17”W x 12.5”D
Weight: 28.6 lbs.

stereo amp  ('91-'92)   *100 WPC     $400

This Adcom amp is in excellent cosmetic and operating condition. 

The GFA-545-II stereo amplifier is a simple, sleek black box with it's only exterior design in the form of a grooved section on the upper half of the front face.   

A minimum of controls: on/off rocker switch and LED indicator, a brace of multi-way binding posts and gold-plated inputs. The only other distinguishing characteristics are three warning lights, two for 'instantaneous distortion alert' to warn you of excessive THD, IM, slew-induced distortion or clipping, and a light to indicate the awakening of the thermal protection circuit.  

*Rated at a conservative 100 WPC (8 ohms) the honest rated maximum output at 1 kHz into an 8 ohm load is about 128 watts at 121.1 V AC power input at 0.1% THD.

The 545/II has a triple Darlington output stage, a large potted toroidal transformer and large, high-grade power supply filter capacitors to provide stability with awkward loads.  Large heat sinks and adequate ventilation helps to keep it cool at all times. The output section contains 12 discrete transistors in Class AB operation.

The GFA-545-II operates quietly...no noise other than the mechanical sound of the rocker on/off switch engaging. 

Basic specs (amp):
Power output: 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms
Frequency response: 10Hz to 20kHz
THD: 0.04%
Dimensions: 5.5"H x 17"W x 12.2"D
Weight: 25 lbs

About Adcom...
ADCOM started in the 70s. Their first offering wasn’t amplifiers but phono cartridges. They were no ordinary cartridges; however, they were extraordinarily musical "moving coil" designs that extracted a lot of information from a record groove. These products were so successful that other companies asked them to begin making cartridges for them, too! And so, they became a manufacturer!

Early Electronics... ADCOM's first electronic product, the groundbreaking GFA-1 power amplifier, appeared in December 1979. It was substantially more powerful than most of its competition at 200 watts per channel and was one of the first "high current" designs available. . Again, it was an affordable and standout performer. Critical response was phenomenal and the GFA-1 became the "hot ticket" amplifier of its day, as did the successor GFA-1A.

The GFA-1 and GFA-1A were followed by a new group of matching components: the GFA-2 power amplifier, the GFP-1 preamplifier, and the GFT-1 tuner. These were also unique products. The GFA-2 power amp boasted 100 watts per channel and used high-speed output transistors and dual power supplies. The GFP-1's low-noise design won a lot of praise from record lovers and the evolutionary GFP-1A added the convenience of ADCOM's innovative dual recording/listening source selectors.

ADCOM, making you fall in love with your speakers since 1980s. ADCOM has always succeed in delivering quality sound. Being music enthusiast, they always try to achieve the best of sound they can get out of any speakers. ADCOM engineering has made mastered in developing innovative products, best class performance and great value for money. The sound of ADCOM is bold, clear which results is clean instrument sound and vocal quality.

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(1979)  40 WPC   SOLD   (completely restored and recapped)

In absolutely excellent cosmetic and operating condition, this Rotel RX-504 has been *fully restored and recapped.  The sleek design of the 504 features Rotel's distinctive front faceplate window shape that set them apart from all other receivers of the 70's and three meters (Left/Right power meters and a single tuning meter.)  The 504 does not have the typical wood cover but, instead, slides into a four-sided walnut veneer case.   
*(NOTE:  The restoration included:
~replacement of L/R channel output transistors
~Replacement of faulty differential pair IC
~Reset voltage regulator with new heat sink compound
~New emitter resistors
~New electrolytic caps for main filter caps, power supply, main amp, phono amp, tone amp
~Adjusted idle bias current and DC Offset
~Power meters calibrated
~Alignment for AM and FM tuners
~New LED dial lamps
~Clean/lube all controls and switches

Originally rated at a minimum of 40 watts per channel into 8 ohms, after the recap, the unit now puts out closer to 52 watts per channel (8 ohms) without distortion.  At 4 ohms, it was rated at about 44 WPC but now hits closer to 56 watts per channel without distortion.

Released in 1979, the design of the Rotel *DC series of receivers (including the RX-404, 504 & 604) was considered a major leap forward as they battled the stiff competition among the other Japanese electronic manufacturers in the late 70's.  While Rotel had always been widely respected for the high quality of their integrated amps, they decided to push the design envelope further with the introduction of their DC receiver lineup.  They succeeded.  
*NOTE: While it's confusing to explain, the difference between late 70's DC amp circuitry vs earlier technology can be that earlier amplifiers had capacitors connected directly to the speakers. The later amplifiers have filter capacitors that are not connected to the speakers. 

Basic specs:
Power output: 40 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 5Hz to 60kHz
THD:  0.08%
Dimensions: 17" x 13.2" x 4.53" (Length x Width x Height)
Weight: 18 lbs

About Rotel...
One of our personal favorite brands, Rotel is a family-owned Japanese manufacturer of hi-fi audio and video equipment: home theater, amplifiers, compact disc players, etc.  Tomoki Tachikawa, a Taiwanese Japanese, founded Rotel in Tokyo in 1957 but their origins date back to the early '50s, when the company began distributing Sylvania television sets throughout Japan. 

In 1961, Rotel became part of the Japanese electronic manufacturing boom, focusing on core engineering values and listening tests. In the '80s, Rotel established an alliance with Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers and exclusive distribution networks in North America and Europe. In 1993, Rotel launched the Michi line, a more exclusive line of amplifiers.

Rotel has filled an interesting niche in audio for at least the past fifty years. Think of it as a mass market manufacturer – with many of the economies of scale that confers – which focuses more on the specialist audio market. It's no giant Sony or Samsung, but nor is it a small 'cottage industry' maker with tiny sales numbers. Instead, it treads a carefully chosen path down the middle, in-between these two extremes. Resulting in the professionalism of products made by companies that produce in massive quantities, with the attention to detail in design and manufacturing that true hi-fi specialists can offer.
With maybe only a few exceptions, Rotel designed and built all their gear directly in-house.  Because of that, they were able to control costs, eliminate "middle men" and establish strict control quality.

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